by CE Wynn

Created on: September 13, 2010   Last Updated: September 15, 2010

As the days begin to cool, and the leaves start to turn, it can often be hard to find some colour to inject into the garden. Although a little more pre planning is required, there are many flowers available that will bloom throughout autumn and even winter.

* Belladonna Lilies

Also know as naked ladies, these striking flowers appear on a slender stem before the green foliage appear after flowering. Ranging from white, to various shades of pink, naked ladies grow from 46-60cms and enjoy part shade to full sun. To enjoy these lovely blooms, plant over summer while the tubers are dormant.

* Lycoris – Spider Lilies

These unique yellow or red flowering tubers, have long curving stamens giving the flowers a spider like appearance. Making excellent cut flowers, foliage appears after flowering similar to the belladonna lilies. Spider lilies enjoy dry conditions, but dislike wet summers while they lay dormant. Flowering stems grow as long as 60cm, but will tolerate being packed together so they are great slotted in tight places or left undivided for many years. With such a unique flowering shape this is a great addition to any autumn garden.

* Dahlias

Part of the daisy family, its hard to provide a description of these gorgeous creatures, as there are literally thousands of variates to choice from. Flowering from late summer, though to mid autumn, these tubers are worth a little extra attention. Shades vary from bright reds and yellows, to almost black, and if you can't chose one colour why not try the bi-colour varieties. The giants can grow as tall as 1.8 meters, which will require staking, however it's possible to get smaller bush like varieties as well.

* Dianthus

If you are a fan of pink, then dianthus's, including carnations, are the autumn blooming flower for you. Although part of the pink family, this is not in reference to their colour, but the jagged edge of the petals, as if cut by pinking shears. Dianthus do best in a sunny spot, with a well drained soil, excessive watering turning there foliage yellow. Dianthus are also a great addition to rockeries as a ground cover, or a low border. One of the traditional favourites as a cut flower, flowering can be extended by removing spent flowers, or why not enjoy them inside instead.

* Camellia

Unlike many others mentioned so far, camellias enjoy semi shade, with protection from excessive sun necessary. The flowering season is just starting in autumn, and can last well into winter. There are a vast range of colours to chose from, and they are available in single and double varieties. Camellias can be a little fussy, preferring an acidic soil, and require regular fertiliser and pruning, but all well worth the effort for the masses of flowers these bushes will provide.

* Chrysanthemum

These delightful flowers begin to bloom as soon as the days shorten and are available in several colours including white, yellow, purple and red. Chrysanthemum's are a bushy plant providing a massive display of flowers and a lovely scent to boot. The range of shapes are endless and unique including, mop heads, sprays, pom poms and cascades. A sunny position with a spot of afternoon shade is ideal, and it important to pinch out flowers while young to encourage a strong bushy plant.

Although the days become cooler, autumn has in itself a great beauty, with warm shades of green, browns and greys. The sun may be removing itself for the winter to come, but a little brightness on these dull days makes life bearable until the return of the sun and warm weather.

Learn more about this author, CE Wynn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.